Chitral, Gilgit-Baltistan – August 2025
Pakistan has marked a proud moment in its mountaineering history as Sarbaz Khan and Abid Baig, two accomplished climbers from Gilgit-Baltistan, became the first Pakistanis to successfully summit Tirich Mir (7,708m), the highest peak in the Hindu Kush mountain range.
A Landmark Expedition Backed by KP Government
The historic climb was organized under the directives of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) Chief Minister Ali Amin Gandapur and facilitated by the KP Culture and Tourism Authority. The mission was led by Umar Arshad Khan, who steered the team through one of the most challenging expeditions in recent years.
Battling Extreme Weather
Facing harsh snowstorms, freezing winds, and treacherous slopes, Sarbaz and Abid demonstrated extraordinary courage and endurance to plant Pakistan’s flag on the summit. Their achievement represents not only a personal victory but also a milestone for the entire country.
Despite the severe weather, the rest of the team showed remarkable perseverance:
Five climbers reached 7,300m
Seven climbers pushed up to 7,000m
This resilience highlights the strength and determination of Pakistani mountaineers taking on some of the world’s toughest peaks.
The Team Behind the Triumph
The expedition included:
Sarbaz Khan
Abid Baig
Umar Arshad Khan
Dr. Naveed Iqbal
Major Muhammad Atif
Shams ul Qamar
Akmal Naveed
They were supported by highly skilled high-altitude porters—Hassan, Shehzad, Younis, and Arif—all of whom brought prior experience on 8,000m peaks and played a vital role in the success of the mission.
A New Chapter for Pakistani Mountaineering
With this achievement, Pakistan has joined the global mountaineering spotlight once again, following earlier feats on K2, Nanga Parbat, and Broad Peak. Tirich Mir, long regarded as one of the most formidable summits in the Hindu Kush, now stands as a symbol of Pakistani resilience and ambition.
Mountaineering experts believe this success will not only boost Pakistan’s standing in international climbing circles but also promote tourism in Chitral and Gilgit-Baltistan, creating new opportunities for the local economy.
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